When it comes to purchasing a snowblower, we’ve typically been left with two types. A single-stage snowblower, and it’s more powerful counterpart, the two-stage snowblower. But in recent years, a new challenger has emerged in the industry, the three-stage snowblower.
Before we begin, let’s cover those classic options we’ve become accustomed to. A single-stage snowblower, also referred to as a snow thrower, works as a high-speed shovel.
An auger (the corkscrew-shaped blades in front of the machine) quickly spins, scooping up snow and depositing it through the discharge chute. It works well for most people in moderate snowfall areas.
The two-stage snow blower is a more powerful version of a single-stage thrower. It uses the same auger design but adds another element to the process, the impeller.
This gadget acts as a fan that helps force snow out through the chute at a high rate of speed. This allows for more plowing capacity and further throwing distances. Read more on single-stage vs two-stage snowblowers.
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What Is A Three-Stage Snowblower?
A three-stage snow blower is often referred to as a two-stage on steroids. As the name suggests, this type adds an additional step to the process. Along with the auger that pulls in snow and the impeller that blows it out, an additional auger (which they call an accelerator) is inserted in between the two.
This device runs perpendicular to the first auger and helps break down snow further. It also provides some extra oomph (thus the name accelerator) before it reaches the impeller.
In theory, this design helps with those large piles of snow that accumulate at the end of a huge storm. The kind of snow that causes weaker snowblowers to sputter and require multiple passes.
A three-stage snow blower is built to push more snow through the same opening than its counterparts.
Who Makes Three-Stage Snowblowers?
While single and two-stage snow blowers are made by many companies, three-stage snow blowers are only produced by MTD brands. You can say it’s their gimmick for the time being. That means you’ll only find a three-stage snowblower made by Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt.
An auger (the corkscrew-shaped blades in front of the machine) quickly spins, scooping up snow and depositing it through the discharge chute. It works well for most people in moderate snowfall areas.
The two-stage snow blower is a more powerful version of a single-stage thrower. It uses the same auger design but adds another element to the process, the impeller.
This gadget acts as a fan that helps force snow out through the chute at a high rate of speed. This allows for more plowing capacity and further throwing distances. Read more on single-stage vs two-stage snowblowers.
Advantages Of A Three-Stage Snowblower
1. Power
It is what we all strive for when purchasing a snowblower. Getting as much power as we can for our budget. The extra auger helps increase plowing capacity by as much as 50% according to Consumer Reports testing. That’s going to allow you to tackle higher snowfall totals and those towering snowdrifts.
2. Speed
With power comes to speed. Being able to tackle a foot of snow in one pass is going to save you time. The same can be said for the end of the driveway pile that used to require busting out the hand shovel. Saving an extra 10 minutes in sub-zero temperatures is worth it.
3. Better Features
Three-stage snow blowers are considered top-of-the-line machines by both Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt. And when you hit that price point, all the bells and whistles get added on. You’ll get their most powerful small engines, variable self-propelled speeds, electric start, and even heated handlebars.
Disadvantages Of A Three-Stage Snowblower
1. Price
That extra stage isn’t free and the manufacturers have been quick to tack on that extra cost. You’ll find a three-stage snowblower to run an extra $200-$400 more than their two-stage counterparts. If you live in areas that only receive light to moderate snowfalls, that extra expense is not worth it.
2. More Repairs
An extra auger creates another part that can malfunction and leave you helpless when the big storm hits. This usually amounts to broken shear pins which can be cheaply replaced by most consumers. Although take note that the location of the second auger will require some contorting of your hands. On cheaper models, you may see the auger blades bend over time as well.
3. Wet Snow
While a three-stage can tear threw large fluffy snow piles, it can struggle with thick, wet snow. The kind of stuff you find in lake-effect snow or a big Nor’easter. This is because wet snow likes to stick to everything it can, and that second auger is no exception. To alleviate this issue, you’ll have to heavily coat the blades in a non-stick spray.
Are Three-Stage Snowblowers Better?
Simple math would tell us that three stages are better than two, but that’s not the case. MTD is the only company building snowblowers this way and their quality tends to be middle of the road. A quality two-stage snowblower from Ariens or Toro is going to be better in most cases.
But this also comes down to your needs. If you’re a Colorado resident getting a foot or more of powdery snow, a three-stage is better. In Consumer Reports’ extensive testing, they found that three-stage snowblowers blew away the competition in terms of removal speed under ideal conditions. It’s when you get the heavier, wet snow where the tides shift in this debate.
1. Cub Cadet 3X 26
For starters, this snow blower has a monster 357cc engine inside. That’s one of the most powerful options available on consumer models. Cub Cadet has friendly controls that allow you to control the speed, direction, and chute without breaking stride.
You’ll get dual headlights and an LED bar attached to the housing for nighttime use. And for those especially cold days, heated handlebars.
Cub Cadet makes this machine with track wheels (for steep driveways) and a wider clearance (for wide driveways) if needed. It’s hands down the best three-stage snowblower on the market.
2. Troy Bilt Vortex 2490
The Vortex 2490 by Troy Bilt is a more budget-conscious option. The 277cc 4-cycle OHV engine is comparable to many two-stage models.
It is the easiest three-stage snow blower in terms of maneuverability thanks to a smaller frame, variable speeds, and power steering. There’s a lot more plastic in this model compared with the Cub Cadet. So you’ll need to be more careful handling this in harsh conditions.
Do I Need A Three-Stage Snowblower?
For most people, I would say no. Some great two-stage snowblowers on the market perform at, or better than the current three-stage options. And unless you’re dealing with frequent blizzards, the extra auger (accelerator) is not going to mean that much.
With that said, if you’re dealing with high volumes of fluffy snow in your region, absolutely check one of these models out. They’re tailor-made for those who demand more plowing capacity at faster speeds.
Mark Geddes is the owner and operator of SnowBlowers.net. A veteran of the snow removal and landscaping industry that currently resides in the Midwest. He has over a decade of experience selling and repairing snowblowers, lawnmowers, and other small engine products.